Originally Posted by
pibach
PDR, you are mixing some facts. First, there are thousands of Dahons out and running without squeaky frames (including my Mu). So quite likely the issues have been specific to your Dahons (probably the dealer who did not know how to setup the hinge?). Second, the bikes that need toughest frames, mountainbikes, are almost all from aluminum (more and more are Carbon now). And in fact this is more stable per weight if you use larger diameter tubes accordingly. This has nothing to to with your Titanium Brompton, which is a very fine bike and I would really like to test ride it.
I do agree with you and I know most mountain bike frames are made from aluminium.
I was specifically thinking about hinge mating surfaces and the increased possibility of wear when using aluminium as opposed to harder steel.
I know that that Dahons and several other brands that use quick release frame clamps (lever) and that these do need regular adjustments as the tension becomes less.... in this regard I think the Brompton’s and T-model Bike Friday Tikit are a much better design due to the fact that the clamp is adjusted to the perfect tension each and every time you use it.
My opinion of Dahon bikes is tainted through a run of bad luck....... but I do know there are lots of happy owners out there.